dig

dig
/ dig/
•
v.
(dig·ging
; past dug
/ dəg/ )
1.
[intr.]
break up and move earth with a tool or machine, or with hands, paws, snout, etc.:
the boar had been digging for roots |
[tr.]
she had to dig the garden |
authorities cause chaos by digging up roads. ∎ [tr.]
make (a hole, grave, etc.) by breaking up and moving earth in such a way:
he took a spade and dug a hole |
[as adj.] (dug)
the newly dug grave. ∎ [tr.]
extract from the ground by breaking up and moving earth:
they dug up fossils of an animal about the size of a turkey. ∎ (dig in)
(of a soldier) protect oneself by making a trench or similar ground defense.
∎ [in imper.] (dig in) inf.
used to encourage someone to start eating with gusto and have as much as they want:
put the sausage on top of the polenta; then dig in. ∎ [tr.] (dig something in/into)
push or poke something in or into:
he dug his hands into his pockets. ∎
[tr.]
excavate (an archaeological site):
apart from digging a site, recording evidence is important. ∎ [tr.] (dig something out)
bring out something that is hidden or has been stored for a long time:
they dug out last year's notes. ∎ (dig into) inf.
find money from (somewhere):
members have to dig deep into their pockets. ∎ [intr.]
search or rummage in a specified place:
Catherine dug into her handbag and produced her card. ∎
engage in research; conduct an investigation:
a professional digging for information
| he had no compunction about digging into her private affairs. ∎ [tr.] (dig something up/out)
discover information after a search or investigation:
have you dug up any information on the captain?2. [tr.] inf., dated
like, appreciate, or understand:
I really dig heavy rock.•
n.
1.
[in sing.]
an act or spell of digging:
a thorough dig of the whole plot. ∎
an archaeological excavation.
2.
a push or poke with one's elbow, finger, etc.:
Ginnie gave her sister a dig in the ribs. ∎ inf.
a remark intended to mock or criticize:
this was a cruel dig at Jenny.PHRASES:dig up dirt inf.
discover and reveal damaging information about someone.dig oneself into a hole
(or dig a hole for oneself)
get oneself into an awkward or restrictive situation.dig in one's heels
resist stubbornly; refuse to give in:
he has dug in his heels and refuses to leave.dig's one's own grave see grave1 .

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